Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was employed for simultaneous determination of three components and fingerprint analysis of Periplocae Cortex with gradient elution of mehtanol and water containing 0.1% phosphoric acid as mobile phase. Three components including chlorogenic acid, 4-methoxysalicylaldehyde and periplocoside were well separated under the analytical condition. Seventeen peaks were selected as the common peaks of 30 batches of Periplocae Cortex. The results showed that there is a significant difference in contents of periplocoside between the samples collected from Henan and Shanxi province. Based on the results of three components quantification and fingerprint analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis ( HCA) and principle component analysis (PCA) were used to further prove the differences between two group samples, and the results indicated that quality of Periplocae Cortex from Shanxi was more stable than that from Henan. The established UPLC fingerprint and quantitative analysis methods could be used efficiently in the quality control of Periplocae Cortex, and this study might contribute to the reasonable clinical application.
Benzaldehydes ; analysis ; China ; Chlorogenic Acid ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Ecosystem ; Periploca ; chemistry ; classification ; growth & development ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Quality Control

Objective To evaluate the value of positron emission tomography(PET)-CT imaging combined with continual detection of CA_(125)in serum for diagnosis of early recurrent ovarian epithelial carcinoma.Methods Twenty six patients received PET-CT imaging,who were all diagnosed as primary epithelial ovarian cancer of stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ and had complete remission after cytoreductive surgery and multiple courses of chemotherapy in Shandong Provincial Cancer Hospital.After a steady period,all patients experienced progressive rising of CA_(125)values 3 times in 2 months.But no positive lesion was found by CT, or although suspicious positive focus was found,the recurrent and(or)metastatic extent was not definite. Out of 26 patients,16 were delivered rechemotherapy and(or)radiotherapy,and 10 received re- cytoreductive surgery.Results(1)Of 26 patients,the value of CA_(125)was more than 35 kU/L in 17,and in 14 of 17,pelvic or abdominal cavity recurrence was diagnosed by CT and PET-CT,and 4 showed simuhaneously distant metastasis on PET-CT.In the remaining 3 patients of which CT findings were negative,2 had pelvic and abdominal cavity recurrence,and one had bone metastasis on PET-CT.Of 9 patients with progressive rising CA_(125)levels but the value was less than cut-off(

OBJECTIVETo apply the single cell nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to HLA typing, and analyze the influence factors on the amplification results.

METHODSSingle cell DNA templates were prepared with different methods. The exon 2, 3 and intron 2 of HLA-A, B, and exon 2 of DRBI were amplified using multiplex PCR. The second round of SSP-PCR HLA typing was carried out according to the large scale routine HLA typing results.

RESULTSEnzyme lysis method was the most efficient procedure for preparing the single cell DNA template, with a success rate (SR) of 93.3%, while the SRs of alkali lysis and freezing-thaw lysis methods were 83.3% and 73.3%, respectively. The second round amplification using enzyme lysis and SSP-PCR in 20 samples obtained a 95% success rate and a 15% allele drop out rate. The time for performing the whole procedure was less than 6 hours.

CONCLUSIONThe modified nested multiplex PCR technique is efficient for single cell HLA typing and might be applied to clinical preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Histocompatibility Testing ; methods ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods

BACKGROUNDThe most critical mechanism governing drug resistance in Candida albicans (C. albicans) involves efflux pumps, the functionality of which largely depends on energy metabolism. Alcohol dehydrogenase I (ADH1) plays an important role in intracellular energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between ADH1 and drug resistance in C. albicans.

METHODSTwenty clinical C. albicans samples isolated from individual patients diagnosed with vulvovaginal candidiasis, and two C. albicans strains obtained from a single parental source (the fuconazole (FLC)-sensitive strain CA-1S and the FLC-resistant strain CA-16(R)) were included in our study. In accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A3 guidelines, we used the microdilution method to examine the FLC minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure the mRNA expression levels of ADH1 and the azole resistance genes CDR1, CDR2, MDR1, FLU1 and ERG11 in all the isolates.

RESULTSA highly significant positive correlation between the mRNA levels of ADH1 and the MICs (rs = 0.921, P = 0.000), as well as positive correlations between the mRNA level of ADH1 and those of CDR1, CDR2 and FLU1 (rs of 0.704, 0.772 and 0.779, respectively, P < 0.01), were observed in the 20 clinical C. albicans samples. The relative expression of ADH1 was upregulated 10.63- to 17.61-fold in all of the drug-resistant isolates. No correlations were found between the mRNA levels of ADH1 and those of MDR1 or ERG11 (P > 0.05). The mRNA levels of the examined drug resistance genes were higher in the CA-16(R) strain than in CA-1(S), and the mRNA levels of ADH1 in CA-16(R) were 11.64-fold higher than those in CA-1(S) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that high levels of ADH1 transcription are implicated in FLC resistance in C. albicans and that the mRNA expression levels of ADH1 are positively correlated with those of CDR1, CDR2 and FLU1.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters ; genetics ; Alcohol Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; Candida albicans ; drug effects ; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal ; microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Fungal ; genetics ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; genetics ; Female ; Fluconazole ; pharmacology ; Fungal Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis

To compare the growth characteristics of non-hematopoietic adult stem cells (NASC) derived from rat fetal blood and rat bone marrow in vitro, and to study the differentiation of these stem cells into neuron-like cells in vitro, the fetal blood of pregnant rats and bone marrow of adult rats were sterilely collected; mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated by using standard Ficoll-hypague techniques and then cultured in DMEM/LG containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The acquired NASCs were subcultured for passage. The immunophenotype of NASCs was detected by flow cytometry. The expanded NASCs were induced to differentiate into neurons-like cells by beta-mercaptoethanol (beta-ME), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The specific markers of these neuron-like cells were detected by immunocytochemistry. The results showed that two kinds of subcultured NASCs showed homogeneous spindle-shaped and expressed antigens CD44 and CD54, but did not expressed CD11b and CD45. The both induced cells were similar to neuron in morphology and were positive for nestin and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), but negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). It is concluded that no significant difference of NASCs derived from pregnant rat fetal blood and adult rat bone marrow found in cell morphology and biological characteristics. NASCs of both origins can be induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells, so fetal blood can be regarded as another resource of NASC.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Female ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Male ; Multipotent Stem Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Neurons ; cytology ; Pregnancy ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Stem Cells ; cytology

OBJECTIVEMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow are capable of differentiating into cells of different tissue lineages such as bone, cartilage, and adipose tissue and are the best candidates for tissue engineering. It is well accepted that umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a source for hematopoietic stem cells. However, controversy exists as to whether UCB contains MSCs and can serve as a source of MSCs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the biological characteristics and inducing differentiation ability of in vitro expanded UCB MSCs.

METHODSUCB was collected on normal full term delivery of infants with informed consent (n = 35) obtained from the mothers. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from UCB by gravity centrifugation and cultured with DMEM including 10% fetal bovine serum. The morphology was observed under microscope per day. Cytochemical staining was carried out and flow cytometry was used to examine the surface antigen phenotype. Fifth passage cells were transferred into a different medium and osteogenic differentiation, adipogenic differentiation, and neurogenic differentiation were assessed.

RESULTSMSCs could be isolated and cultured from MNCs of a few UCB sources. These cells displayed fibroblast-like morphology. They withstood over 20 passages without significant structural changes. These MSCs were negative for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and positive for alpha-naphthol butyric acid esterase (NBE) staining. Expression of CD(29), CD(44)and CD(105), especially the human MSCs-specific markers SH-2 and SH-3 were observed, but CD(3), CD(14), CD(19), CD(34) and CD(45) could not be found, indicating that these cells were not of hematopoietic origin. Exposure of these MSCs to serum-free osteogenic condition, they could differentiate into bone cells and form mineralized matrix as evidenced by Alizarin red staining 2 weeks later. When these UCB-derived MSCs were cultured in adipogenic medium, morphologic changes in cells as well as the formation of neutral lipid vacuoles were noticeable as early as 1 week after induction and visualized by staining with oil-red O. Surprisingly, these MSCs were also able to differentiate into neuroglial-like cells. Morphology of these induced cells resembled that of neurons. Immunocytochemistry showed that they expressed Nestin and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), but not glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).

CONCLUSIONUCB does contain MSCs. These MSCs, which are multipotent, could be isolated and cultured from a few UCB sources. UCB might serve as an alternative source of MSCs to bone marrow.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Cell Proliferation ; Centrifugation, Density Gradient ; Culture Media, Conditioned ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Flow Cytometry ; Histocytochemistry ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo find out the relationship between mutation of ATP7B gene promoter region and pathogenesis of Wilson disease(WD).

METHODSTwo of 48 WD patients presented C-->T base substitution mutations at the position -183. DNA sequences of the promoter region from normal and mutant samples were separated. The fragments containing the promoter region were cloned upstream of the luciferase. Luciferase activity was analyzed.

RESULTSThe luciferase activity of reporter gene containing normal sequence of ATP7B gene promoter region did not show significant difference as compared with that of reporter gene containing mutant promoter(n=3, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONNo influence of C-->T base substitution mutations on the activity of promoter was observed in study. The results suggest that WD pathogenesis relates little to the mutations of the promoter region in Chinese.

Adenosine Triphosphatases ; genetics ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Base Sequence ; Cation Transport Proteins ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Child ; Copper-transporting ATPases ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Hepatolenticular Degeneration ; genetics ; Humans ; Luciferases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVECord blood (CB) provides a rich source of stem cells for transplantation. CB transplantation has been used widely after myeloablative therapy. One major disadvantage of CB transplantation is delayed platelet engraftment. The aim of this study was to hasten platelet engraftment by investigating the ability of different hematopoietic growth factor combinations to generate large numbers of megakaryocyte (Mk) from CB and by evaluating the biologic characteristics and function of the expanded Mk.

METHODSCB samples were obtained at the end of normal full-term deliveries with informed consent. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from CB using Ficoll density centrifugation. MNC population was positively selected for CD(34) expression by magnetic cell sorting (MACS). CD(34)(+) cells were cultured in serum-free and stroma-free medium containing the following two different cytokine combinations: thrombopoietin (TPO) + stem cell factor (SCF) + interleukin (IL) -3 + IL-6 and TPO + SCF. Cultures were characterized after 3, 7, 10 and 14 days by flow cytometry, colony forming unit-megakaryocyte (CFU-Mk) and maturation evaluation (Mk ploidy). The expanded Mk function was examined by the platelet activation in vitro and severe combined immunodiffiency (SCID) mice transplantation in vivo.

RESULTSDifferent results were observed with different culture conditions. With the first cytokine combination optimal expansion of CD(41)(+) cells was observed on day 10, but the optimal expansion of Mk progenitors (CD(34)(+)CD(41)(+)) was observed on day 7, with a median 121 and 44-fold increase at the starting cell dose. This result was also proven by CFU-Mk. The largest numbers of CFU-Mk were also observed on day 7. The degree of maturation of Mk cells also increased as suggested by DNA content of CD(41)(+) cells, which means that CD(34)(+) cells cultured for 3 - 7 days were richer in primitive Mks, while those cultured for 10 - 14 days had greater numbers of more differentiated Mks. For the second cytokine combination, CD(41)(+) and CD(34)(+)CD(41)(+) cells were fewer than the first one, but it produced 36 and 85-fold CD(34)(+)CD(41)(+) and CD(41)(+) respectively on day 7. Platelet activation test confirmed that the expanded Mks had normal function. Therefore, the expanded Mks could be transplanted into the SCID mice bone marrow and produce human platelet in the peripheral blood of the mice.

CONCLUSIONEx vivo expanded Mk might facilitate CB transplantation and help shorten the period of post-transplant thrombocytopenia.

Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; Megakaryocytes ; cytology ; Mice ; Mice, SCID

This study was aimed to study the potential effects of alloreactive NK cells (allo-NKs) in therapy of relapsed lung cancer after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI). The F1 donors derived-NK cells were purified with MACS magnetic separation system, in which the proportion of the alloreactive Ly49A(+) cells was detected by flowcytometry and alloreactivity was measured by LDH method. The relapse model of lung cancer after haploidentical-HSCT was established. The distribution kinetic of infused donor lymphocytes in vivo was analyzed. The inhibition of relapse tumor, infiltration of lymphocytes in situ and fluctuation of 22 kinds of cytokines in serum after DLI were compared among different groups. The results showed that the infused donor cells of allo-NK group were accumulated mostly in lung, spleen and kidney for more than 48 hours with considerable higher levels according to the distribution kinetic curve. The sizes of relapse tumors between chemotherapy + PBS group and chemotherapy + DLI group showed no difference. However, the relapsed tumors in allo-NK + DLI group were significantly smaller than that in chemotherapy + DLI group or allo-NK + PBS group, in which increased infiltration of lymphocytes were defined in situ. The levels of cytokines such as MCP-1, IL-17, IL-12 and MCP-5 in serum of allo-NK + DLI group ascended compared with control group, though the level of IL-10 declined simultaneously. It is concluded that allo-NKs prolong the survival time of infused donor lymphocytes in vivo, promote the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and Th1-type of cytokines, and further improve the antitumor effects of DLI against relapse after transplantation.
Animals ; Cytokines ; blood ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Killer Cells, Natural ; cytology ; Lung Neoplasms ; therapy ; Lymphocyte Transfusion ; methods ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; therapy ; Transplantation Conditioning ; methods

This study was aimed to analyze the biological characteristics of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBM-MSCs) and their response to different growth factors. Rabbit BM-MSCs were separated from bone marrow mononuclear cells by using adherent cultivation. Biological characteristics were investigated by optical and electron microscopy. Immunophenotype of rBM-MSCs was measured by flow cytometry. The expression of collagen was detected by RT-PCR. Differentiation potential was identified by specific staining and RT-PCR. The response of rBM-MSCs to IL-1, 3, 8 and HGF with different concentrations were tested by MTT. The results showed that the rBM-MSCs gave rise to a population of adherent cells characterized by the presence of a predominant cell type with a typical fibroblast-like morphology and could be cultured for over 15 passages. CD44 was highly expressed on F5 rBM-MSCs (32%) and CD45 was lowly expressed (4.7%). Type I collagen was highly expressed, while type II collagen was lowly expressed and type X collagen was not detected on rBM-MSCs using RT-PCR method. In various conditions inducting differentiation, rBM-MSCs could differentiate into the osteoblast, chondrocyte, adipocyte and neuron-like cells. The rBM-MSCs were sensitive to IL-3, even low concentration (10 ng/ml) of IL-3 could promote the proliferation of rBM-MSCs effectively (>32%, P < 0.01), whereas high concentration IL-3 inhibited it significantly. It is concluded that rabbit BM-MSCs were successfully isolated and culture-expanded. The biological characteristics of rabbit BM-MSCs are similar to those of human and rhesus BM-MSCs. IL-3 with low concentration can promote the proliferation of rBM-MSCs effectively, but high concentration of IL-3 can inhibit their proliferation.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytokines ; pharmacology ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Rabbits ; Recombinant Proteins